South Korea remained on high alert on Friday despite the failure of the North’s latest rocket launch, to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of late founding president Kim Il-sung.

Pyongyang maintains the launch was part of the commemorations, despite concern from neighbouring and Western countries.

UN spokesperson Corinne Momal Vanian condemned the failed attempt: “The launch is in direct violation of Security Council Resolution 1874 and threatens regional stability. The General-Secretary urges the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) not to undertake any further provocative actions that will heighten tensions in the region.”

After meeting with his Chinese and Indian counterparts, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
stressed the need for dialogue.

“It is necessary to react to the existing challenges only by political and diplomatic means. I urge all parties concerned to show maximum responsibility and self-control and to continue efforts to have six-party talks resumed,” Lavrov said.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia and China have the right to veto any proposed sanctions against North Korea.